Zululand novel now a classroom set work

AUTHOR Ashling McCarthy is well on her way to becoming a household name, with the recent adaptation of her first novel into a high school study guide bringing her work into the classroom.

First published in 2020, Down at Jika Jika Tavern is a bold, contemporary novel set in rural Zululand, which explores powerful themes central to the lives of today’s youth.

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Such themes include identity and belonging, education and power, and the complex intersection between traditional and Western world views.

With these themes in mind, the novel has been developed as an English setwork choice for grades 10 – 12.

“The novel follows Nonhle Ngubane, a university student who is unexpectedly drawn into the dangerous world of wildlife poaching,” explains McCarthy.

“Her journey becomes a layered exploration of personal and cultural identity, belonging and power in modern-day South Africa, balanced with vibrant depictions of South African life through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters.

“It offers the average South African learner a relatable protagonist who reflects the lived experiences of many young people: navigating inclusion and exclusion in different social spaces.”

The student workbook and teacher’s support guide have been developed in collaboration with English teacher Claire Geber, and is already in use in the classroom.

McCarthy’s upbringing between Durban and Empangeni, including game farm experiences, gave her a unique view of two very different worlds.

Under the banner of creativity for social change, McCarthy seeks to empower young South Africans to get off their phones and into books, and to think critically about social issues through the art of storytelling.

To this end, she also holds narrative writing workshops, to ignite the spark of storytelling among the youth.

Find her on ashlingmccarthy.co.za or email her at info@ashlingmccarthy.co.za

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